Behrens 6 Gallon Feed & Seed Can Review — durable galvanized storage

Intro — why I care about feed cans

I’m The Pet Dude: I keep birds, chickens, and small critters around the yard, and I’m a bit of a gear nerd when it comes to storage. Bad containers mean chewed-through bags, moldy seed, and never-ending wars with squirrels and mice. The Behrens 6 Gallon Embossed Locking Lid Feed & Seed Can (sold as single or a 2-pack) promises a metal alternative to flimsy plastic buckets — galvanized steel, a locking lid, and an offset bottom to keep contents dry and off the floor. I dug into the product details and paired that with hands-on owner experience to judge whether these cans actually deliver where it matters: protecting dry feed, surviving outdoor use, and being easy to live with day to day.

What it is — first look

The Behrens Feed & Seed can is a round, galvanized-steel storage can designed for dry goods. It’s embossed with a seed & pet food label, has a wire carry handle, and locks with a lid intended to keep critters out. The listing highlights a capacity described as holding up to 20 lbs of dry goods and calls out an offset bottom that elevates the can from the ground to improve airflow and protection. It’s promoted for indoor or sheltered outdoor use and labeled "dry storage only." The product style shown is a farmhouse look and the listed color is silver.

Key specs (from the listing)

• Material: premium galvanized steel
• Capacity: holds up to 20 lbs of dry goods (note: densities vary)
• Design highlights: locking lid, embossed label, offset bottom, wire handle
• Intended use: dry storage only; indoor or sheltered outdoor locations
• Available formats: sold as a 2-pack or single can option
• Made in the USA (listing notes; may include globally sourced materials)

In daily use / hands-on testing

Throughout my time evaluating storage solutions, two things matter most: does the can actually keep critters out, and is it convenient enough that I’ll use it every day? The Behrens can hits strong marks on both for typical dry-feed usage.

Keeping feed safe from rodents and raccoons

• Critter-proofing: The galvanized steel body plus the locking lid design makes it much harder for squirrels and mice to chew or pry open than thin plastic buckets. In my experience and with multiple long-term owner notes, rodents that tore through plastic containers did not get into these metal cans.
• Practical capacity: The listing states a generous hold of up to 20 lbs of dry goods, which is a useful guideline for medium-sized kibble, birdseed, or wood pellets. The listing also cautions that densities vary, so compare your feed before filling.

Portability and handling

• Wire handle: The can uses a sturdy wire handle for transport. That handle gives a reliable grip for moving a filled can short distances (garage to coop, shed to porch), but it's a simple metal wire — comfortable enough for occasional moves, less ideal for long carries.
• Offset bottom: The listing’s offset bottom keeps the can slightly elevated, which helps airflow under the can and reduces direct contact with wet floors or garage surfaces.

Real-life tasks people use it for

• Feed storage — birdseed, squirrel food, rabbit and chicken feed are all called out as practical uses in owner experience.
• Household uses — one owner used a can for fireplace ash and another for kindling, and owners commented the cans look tidy inside a garage or shed.

Materials & build quality

The listing emphasizes premium galvanized steel and presents the can as an explicitly plastic-free option. That’s the most important material fact here: this is metal, not plastic.

Build features I care about

• Galvanized steel body — marketed to resist cracking, warping, and rusting like plastic alternatives, and owners repeatedly described the construction as "sturdy" and "quality made."
• Locking lid — the lid locks to secure contents. Owners who were protecting feed praised how well the lid keeps out critters.
• Embossed labeling — the embossed seed & pet food label is useful when you store multiple cans or use them around a barn or multi-feed operation.
• Wire handle and offset bottom — both functional touches that match the utilitarian design; the handle is solid and the raised base protects the can from direct floor contact.

Finish and appearance

The styling is "farmhouse" and the visible finish is silver galvanized steel. Multiple owners noted that the cans "look nice" and kept storage areas tidy; the embossed label and metal finish have a clean, utilitarian look that suits barns, sheds, and garages.

Safety considerations

Safety is first when storing anything that animals may get into. The listing and owner experiences give clear signals about safe use and things to avoid.

Positive safety signals

• Critter protection: The metal body and locking lid are repeatedly credited with keeping rodents and squirrels out of feed — a clear advantage for anyone who’s battled chewers.
• Weather resistance: The listing calls the can weather-resistant and suitable for garages, barns, and outdoor sheds. The elevated bottom also helps avoid contact with damp floors.
• Dry storage only: The manufacturer explicitly states "dry storage only." That instruction is important to prevent misuse.

What to avoid — clear safety red flags if ignored

• Do not use for liquids. One owner who used the can for liquid found that it leaked at the seams. The listing’s "dry storage only" warning is the exact guidance to follow — the can is not sealed for liquids and will leak.
• Lid fit & missing parts: There is at least one report of a missing lid out of the box, which makes the can unusable until replaced. Inspect the lid and locking mechanism immediately when you receive yours.
• Not intended for full outdoor exposure: The listing says "indoor or sheltered outdoor use." Continuous exposure to the elements (direct rain, standing water) is outside the intended use and could reduce lifespan.

Cleaning & maintenance

• Dry goods only simplifies cleaning: because the can is meant for dry storage, basic wiping and brushing out residual seed or pellets is usually enough.
• Watch seams for residue: if you store oily seed mixes or suet-type mixes, check seams for buildup and wipe dry to reduce corrosion risk — the listing highlights galvanized steel and weather resistance, but care extends life.
• Check the lid and handle: Inspect the locking lid and wire handle periodically to make sure the lid still seats correctly and the handle stays firmly attached.

Fit & sizing guidance (who this actually works for)

The Behrens 6 Gallon can is versatile, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s how I map the can to common pet setups.

Best fits

• Backyard birders: Holds a practical amount of birdseed for feeder refills and keeps seed safe from squirrels and mice when stored in a sheltered spot.
• Small flock chicken owners and rabbit keepers: Owners who used these for chicken and rabbit feed praised the mice-proofing and sturdiness.
• People who want plastic-free storage: If you’re looking to move away from plastic buckets that get chewed or brittle, this galvanized option is a logical swap.
• Home uses: Fireplace ash storage, kindling, and general dry storage in a garage or shed. Owners specifically used cans for ashes and kindling with success.

Who should skip or be cautious

• Anyone who needs a liquid-tight container — the can is explicitly "dry storage only," and one owner found seams can leak if used for liquid.
• Those who need small, lightweight, everyday carry containers — the metal construction and wire handle are fine for occasional moving but not as convenient as lighter plastic containers for frequent carrying.
• People expecting continuous outdoor exposure — the listing recommends indoor or sheltered outdoor use; prolonged exposure to direct weather may shorten life despite the weather-resistant finish.

Durability — what to expect over time

The combination of a premium galvanized steel body and positive owner notes gives confidence that these cans last longer than typical plastic buckets. Owners used words like "sturdy" and "quality made," and several noted that critters failed to breach these cans where they had previously broken into plastic storage.

• Rust resistance: The galvanized finish is sold as resistant to cracking, warping, and rusting common to plastics or untreated metals. That said, maintenance (keeping the can dry and out of direct elements) will maximize longevity.
• Seam integrity: Note the mixed feedback about leaking when used with liquids. For the intended dry use, seams are not reported as a problem; for liquids they are inadequate.
• Potential quality-control issues: The single report of a missing lid is a reminder to check parts on arrival. It’s a shipping/fulfillment quality-control note rather than a design failure, but it affects usability if it happens to you.

Value & alternatives

The Behrens can positions itself as a durable, metal alternative to plastic feed buckets. It’s a practical buy for people who’ve had enough of chewed plastic or who want a cleaner, farmhouse look in their storage area. The listing offers both single-can and 2-pack options, so you can outfit a couple of storage locations at once.

• Pros: sturdy galvanized construction, locking lid, embossed labeling, offset base, weather resistance for sheltered locations.
• Cons: not liquid-tight, occasional missing lid reported, wire handle is functional but utilitarian.

Who this is for / who should skip

• Buy this if: You store dry feed (birdseed, small- to medium-kibble, rabbit or chicken feed) in a garage, shed, or under cover and need a critter-resistant, plastic-free container.
• Skip this if: You need a container for liquids, need frequent long-distance portability, or plan to keep it in direct outdoor exposure without shelter.

Verdict — final take

For dry-feed storage in barns, sheds, garages or on a covered porch, the Behrens 6 Gallon Embossed Locking Lid Feed & Seed Can is a solid, practical option. The galvanized steel construction and locking lid are the core wins — they do what they say and address the two biggest headaches with feed storage: rodents and soggy floors. The embossed label, offset bottom, and weather-resistant finish round out a utilitarian package that looks neat and holds up under typical backyard use.

My biggest cautions are straightforward: follow the "dry storage only" guidance and inspect the can on arrival (verify the lid is present and seats correctly). If you need a liquid-tight container or continuous outdoor exposure, choose something designed for those conditions.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Confirm you need dry storage (this can is not sealed for liquids).
• Decide whether a single can or a 2-pack fits your setup (both options are available).
• Plan for sheltered placement — garage, shed, or covered porch is ideal.
• Inspect lid and locking mechanism immediately upon delivery.
• Match feed bulk density to the stated capacity (listing notes up to 20 lbs variable by density).

Colors & images

The listing shows a silver galvanized finish in a farmhouse style. Available color:

• Silver

Verdict summary

If you’re fed up with chewed plastic and want a tidy, metal storage can for dry feed, the Behrens 6 Gallon Feed & Seed can is a trustworthy, well-made choice — provided you use it for its intended dry-storage purpose and keep it sheltered. It’s practical, looks good in a tidy barn or garage, and does the basic job of keeping critters out and feed dry when used properly.